Screen Name

The email address/password you submitted is wrong or could not be found. Please try again. If you are not a member of the FIFA.com Club, please register first.

The email address/password you submitted is wrong or could not be found. Please try again. If you are not a member of the FIFA.com Club, please register first.

This Facebook account is already present

Your Club account has been locked due to a breach of our Terms of Service. Please set up a new account in line with the Club rules. Review the Club Rules. Alternatively, you can email us by completing our contact form.

Please enter a valid email address

The email address/password you submitted is wrong or could not be found. Please try again. If you are not a member of the FIFA.com Club, please register first.

Overview

Venezuela eye place in history books

The penultimate Round of 16 clash at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 sees Group B runners-up Venezuela and their Group F counterparts United Arab Emirates go head-to-head at the Mubarak Stadium in Suez.

The stakesVenezuela's success in reaching the Round of 16 rates as the nation's greatest footballing achievement. The South Americans lost 3-0 to Spain, but beat Tahiti 8-0 and Nigeria by the only goal of the game, sealing their status as the surprise package of the tournament so far. Yonathan del Valle (four goals) and Jose Rondon (three) form one of the most potent strike partnerships at the showpiece in Egypt.

Venezuela are riding a wave of confidence, whereas the UAE's performances to date have provided more questions than answers. They finished a solid second in their group, although that had a great deal to do with a double strike in stoppage-time to earn a fortunate draw with South Africa in their opening match. Will we see a different UAE now the knockout phase has started, or will the South Americans' seven-goal strike pairing prove too hot to handle in the first-ever meeting between the sides?

The stat2 - Venezuela emerged from their three group fixtures with just two yellow cards, the fewest of any team at the tournament.

The words
"We've watched the UAE, and we know it's going to be a complex match. They're quick and favour a short-passing game. That's similar to us, so we'll need to be cautious from start to finish. We must be sure not to lose our shape, not rush things, and concentrate for the whole match. If we can stop them scoring, we'll have a better chance of reaching the next round." Francisco Flores, Venezuela

"As I've said often enough, there's no particular team I was hoping to face. All the teams in the last sixteen at this tournament are strong. We're ready for the clash. Venezuela are very skilful. Their strikers are quick and dangerous. We'll prepare thoroughly for this game, which should increase our chances of winning." Mahdi Redha, UAE coach